The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stated Monday that foreign fighters and others currently active in East Ukraine would be brought to justice for any war crimes committed in East Ukraine. Pillay made the statement while issuing a new report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and calling for care in preventing civilian casualties in Ukraine.
“I would like to stress to all those involved in the conflict, including foreign fighters, that every effort will be made to ensure that anyone committing serious violations of international law, including war crimes, will be brought to justice, no matter who they are,” said Pillay. “I urge all sides to bring to an end the rule of the gun and restore respect for the rule of law and human rights.” Pillay also noted that the downing of Malaysian Air MH17 may qualify as a war crime.
Pillay called for a “prompt, thorough, effective, independent and impartial investigation” into the downing of MH17. The UN Security Council also called for the investigation, and demanded armed groups currently active in Eastern Ukraine allow investigators unfettered access.
By Day Blakely Donaldson